VM - Sculpture, RARO "The Shark" – Mid-Century, Autentico Vetro di Murano Sommerso – Pezzo Unico, 1960s - 32 cm - Glass

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Fiammetta Fulchiati
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Selected by Fiammetta Fulchiati

Over five years' experience with antiques and expertise in Murano glass.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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Rare mid‑century Murano glass shark sculpture by VM, hand‑formed in Italy with a wave base in green Murano glass, in good condition, 32 cm high, 13 cm wide, 13 cm deep, unsigned and bearing the vintage 'Vetri di Murano' label.

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Description from the seller

Not a simple decoration, but a work that encapsulates the majesty of the shark and the centuries-old charm of a unique art form. This extraordinary sculpture from the 60s/70s celebrates the shark as a powerful symbol of determination, unshakable focus, and absolute freedom, elevated by the magic of fire and Murano crystal.

Owning this piece means bringing into your home a fragment of history that traces back to 1291, the year in which the Republic of Venice moved the kilns to the island of Murano. This sculpture is the result of secrets handed down from generation to generation:
• Every line of this shark was heated and shaped by the master glassmaker, without the aid of industrial molds. It is a unique, unrepeatable piece.
• Murano artistic glass stands out for its purity and an inimitable light refraction. The secret blend of sand and minerals used in the Venetian furnaces gives the work a lasting brilliance that will never fade.

The master glassmakers achieved a plastic miracle, freezing in the glass the moment the shark slices the surface of the water. The sinuous twist of the body conveys a sense of dynamic energy and controlled strength ready to strike.

The contrast between the base, sculpted like a crystalline wave, and the shark’s body (characterized by a deep smoked/antracite shade) evokes the ocean depths. The creature seems to emerge from the darkness of the abyss toward the light.

In cultural symbolism, the shark represents leadership, the ability to move fluidly in the face of challenges, and the constant drive to go forward (sharks cannot retreat). It is the ideal piece for those who want to instill in a space a sense of authority and resilience.

To crown the piece’s value is the vintage label "Vetri di Murano" still intact on the base. This small but essential detail is the ultimate proof of provenance: it certifies that the work was hand-formed in the historic Venetian furnaces of the last century, protecting your investment and ensuring its appreciation over time.

• Subject: Shark emerging over a wave base
• Material: Original Murano glass - label present
• Era: Mid-Century Modern (60s/70s)
• Provenance: Murano (Venice), Italy
• Condition: Excellent. The glass preserves its original brilliance without scratches, with the vintage label perfectly preserved

Not a simple decoration, but a work that encapsulates the majesty of the shark and the centuries-old charm of a unique art form. This extraordinary sculpture from the 60s/70s celebrates the shark as a powerful symbol of determination, unshakable focus, and absolute freedom, elevated by the magic of fire and Murano crystal.

Owning this piece means bringing into your home a fragment of history that traces back to 1291, the year in which the Republic of Venice moved the kilns to the island of Murano. This sculpture is the result of secrets handed down from generation to generation:
• Every line of this shark was heated and shaped by the master glassmaker, without the aid of industrial molds. It is a unique, unrepeatable piece.
• Murano artistic glass stands out for its purity and an inimitable light refraction. The secret blend of sand and minerals used in the Venetian furnaces gives the work a lasting brilliance that will never fade.

The master glassmakers achieved a plastic miracle, freezing in the glass the moment the shark slices the surface of the water. The sinuous twist of the body conveys a sense of dynamic energy and controlled strength ready to strike.

The contrast between the base, sculpted like a crystalline wave, and the shark’s body (characterized by a deep smoked/antracite shade) evokes the ocean depths. The creature seems to emerge from the darkness of the abyss toward the light.

In cultural symbolism, the shark represents leadership, the ability to move fluidly in the face of challenges, and the constant drive to go forward (sharks cannot retreat). It is the ideal piece for those who want to instill in a space a sense of authority and resilience.

To crown the piece’s value is the vintage label "Vetri di Murano" still intact on the base. This small but essential detail is the ultimate proof of provenance: it certifies that the work was hand-formed in the historic Venetian furnaces of the last century, protecting your investment and ensuring its appreciation over time.

• Subject: Shark emerging over a wave base
• Material: Original Murano glass - label present
• Era: Mid-Century Modern (60s/70s)
• Provenance: Murano (Venice), Italy
• Condition: Excellent. The glass preserves its original brilliance without scratches, with the vintage label perfectly preserved

Details

Era
1900-2000
Manufacturer/brand
VM
Country of origin
Italy
Style
Contemporary
Material
Glass
Title of artwork
RARO "The Shark" – Mid-Century, Autentico Vetro di Murano Sommerso – Pezzo Unico, 1960s
Signature
Not signed
Colour
Green
Condition
Good condition
Height
32 cm
Width
13 cm
Depth
13 cm
ItalyVerified
1586
Objects sold
90.11%
Private

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